Chattanooga Theft Lawyer

Defending Against Theft Crime Charges in Tennessee

Charges of theft can result in a misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the nature of the charge. Many theft charges stem from property taken by mistake. If you’ve been accused of theft, the top-rated criminal defense and theft lawyers of Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell in Chattanooga can help.

When you are facing an investigation or formal charges, it helps to talk with a theft attorney in Chattanooga for practical guidance about what happens next. We can explain how local procedures work in Hamilton County Criminal Court or General Sessions Court, what to expect at arraignment, and how decisions you make early in the case may affect your record and employment in the future.

Why Choose Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell for Your Theft Case 

• Can navigate the court system
• Can negotiate a better plea deal
• Knows how to defend against theft charges in court
• Avoids numerous court appearances
• Less stress from defending yourself
• Prevents mistakes that could cost you
• Can get a lighter sentence
• Understands & explains your options
• Experienced in court
• And so much more!

Discuss your arrest or charges with a Chattanooga theft crime attorney at Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell in a free case evaluation. Use our convenient contact form or call us at (423) 264-2206.

Theft Charges We Handle in Chattanooga

Criminal defense attorneys define theft as the wrongful assumption of the property of another, often through the taking and carrying away of that property with the intent to deprive the person of the property permanently. Theft consists of the following crimes:

• Larceny – This involves the taking and carrying away of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the true owner of such property.
• Burglary – This type of theft involves breaking and entering into another person’s home with the intent to commit a felony once inside. Keep in mind, however, that burglary and robbery are not the same.
• Embezzlement – This is considered the fraudulent conversion of funds from the rightful owner’s name to another person by someone who had a right to possess the funds, such as a trustee or a bank.
• False pretense – This means acquiring legitimate title to the property through false representations with the intent to defraud.
• Theft of lost or mislaid property – This is simply the wrongful retention of mislaid or lost property.

The Penalties for Theft Convictions in Chattanooga

A theft can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the property that is taken. Tennessee law has its own value ranges that determine the level of the charge, and those ranges can be updated from time to time by the legislature.

Some of the key factors that can affect potential penalties include:

• Value of property involved in the alleged theft under Tennessee’s statutory ranges
• Type of conduct, such as shoplifting, embezzlement, or burglary
• Prior criminal history and whether the charge is a first offense
• Cooperation with the court, including restitution and compliance with bond conditions
• Impact on any victims and whether the property was recovered or returned

Statutory Criminal Penalties

The sentencing range depends on the felony or misdemeanor class:

• Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.
• Class E Felony: 1 to 6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000.
• Class D Felony: 2 to 12 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
• Class C Felony: 3 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Class B Felony: 8 to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
• Class A Felony: 15 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.

Collateral and Professional Consequences

Beyond prison and fines, a theft conviction is often viewed by society as a "crime of moral turpitude" or a "honesty crime," which carries a unique stigma:

• Employment Disqualification: Most employers are hesitant to hire anyone with a theft record, especially for positions involving cash handling, inventory management, or sensitive data.
• Professional Licensing: Convictions can lead to the revocation or denial of licenses for nursing, teaching, real estate, and accounting.
• Immigration Issues: For non-citizens, a theft conviction can be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude, potentially leading to deportation or denial of citizenship.
• Civil Liability: Under Tennessee law, merchants can sue shoplifters in civil court for the value of the items plus additional penalties, regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.

Do not let your mistake turn into a lifelong nightmare. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our theft lawyers in Chattanooga can advise you of your rights and defenses.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Theft Defense

Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC provides a defense that is as unique as the circumstances of your case. We don't just "go through the motions"; we provide result oriented legal representation by focusing on:

• Evidence Scrutiny: Surveillance video is often grainy or misleading. We carefully review every second of footage to ensure the person depicted is actually our client and that their actions truly constitute theft rather than an accident.
• Valuation Challenges: Because the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is often just one dollar, we independently verify the "fair market value" of the items involved. Prosecutors often use the "retail price," but the law may require a different valuation that could lower your charge.
• Claim of Right Defense: If you honestly believed the property belonged to you or that you had a right to take it, you cannot be convicted of theft. We gather evidence of past communications or ownership records to prove your good faith.
• Restitution Strategy: In many cases, early and proactive restitution (paying the owner back) can be used as a powerful tool in negotiations to have charges reduced or even dismissed through a "Memorandum of Understanding."

Why Choose Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC for Your Defense

When you are facing a theft charge, the quality of your legal team can be the difference between a clean record and a felony conviction. We are a firm that prides itself on result-oriented legal representation. We know the Chattanooga courts, we understand the local prosecutors, and we know how to identify the procedural errors that can lead to a case being dropped. 

We treat every client with compassion and provide a clear, honest assessment of their situation. Our goal is to protect your future by resolving your case as quickly and favorably as possible, allowing you to move forward with your life.

A theft charge doesn't have to be the end of your career. Secure result oriented legal representation by contacting a theft attorney in Chattanooga today. Call Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC at (423) 264-2206 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.